Chapter 5
As Barrick’s lips leave mine, I want to pull him back to me and stay in this moment forever. Instead, he wraps his arms around me, kisses my temple and turns us so we are looking up at the sky again. As he runs his fingers through my hair, I stare up at the stars and realize that being in this spot with Barrick is like a little piece of Heaven. I lean into him and pray my wishes come true.
I’m not sure if minutes or hours have passed, but I’m suddenly cold when Barrick shifts to sit up. “I probably should get you home.”
“I’m sure Gran and Mom won’t mind,” I reply.
“Maybe so, but Cadence there’s one thing you need to know…” As he pauses, my heart stops. “In the South, there’s a thing called respect. I not only respect Ms. Mae and your mom, but I respect you. As much as I don’t want to take you home, I know I should. It’s not like I won’t see you bright and early in the morning,” he says with a small laugh. Ugh! I hate getting up early.
“Barrick, I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything,” he says as he slides off the tailgate. As I move to the edge, he stands in front of me and kisses my forehead. I hug him a little longer and give him a quick kiss before he lifts me off the tailgate and helps me into the truck.
When I get home, Mom and Gran are asleep in the living room. I try not to wake them as I walk to my room. When the floorboard creaks, they both wake up.
“Well, missy, how was your night?” Gran yawns.
“Gran, it was perfect.” I pause for a minute and try to contain my excitement. “Do you believe in wishes?”
“Cadence, I believe in faith. If you have that, anything’s possible. Ain’t that right, Regina?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Mom agrees while standing from the couch.
“Cadence, with Him, all things are possible. You always have to keep your faith.”
“Thanks, Gran.”
“Of course. Now let’s all get to bed. We’ll need to be up in a few hours. Your mom and I want to hear all the details after work.”
“You got it, Gran,” I say as I give her a kiss on the cheek and hug Mom. “Goodnight, or is it good morning?” I say with a laugh as I walk to my room.
When I wake, I head straight to the barn and am shocked that Barrick isn’t here yet. My heart sinks. He’s never late and now I’m worried. I look at the time and know I need to get started, so I try to shake off my unease and check on Daisy. I take a moment and watch her as she wanders from the open field to the gate, knowing it’s time for breakfast.
I take a bucket and scoop of the grass mixture to feed her and the other cows. I’m not so sure I want to start this milking party by myself. Daisy looks at me like she’s reading my mind.
“Yeah, I bet you hate having your tits yanked on day in and out. I know I would,” I say with a giggle.
“Whatcha laughin’ at?” I jump and turn to see Barrick standing there.
“Oh nothing,” I say as Daisy lets out a moo. “Daisy gets it.” He shakes his head.
“You had me worried,” I say as we begin our chores.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. I just slept a little late this morning.” Barrick stops and takes my hand. “Thank you for a great night last night. It was the best New Year’s Eve I’ve ever had.”
“Ditto,” I say because I can’t find the words to speak.
Barrick
Ditto? I’m surprised by the one-word response coming from someone who usually has no problem telling me like it is. I’d sure like to know what is running around in that beautiful mind of hers but I don’t have time to ask since I’m running late and the cows need to be milked. Cadence surprises me again when she doesn’t complain once and even cleans the stalls without a curse word.
Ms. Mae comes in to check on things and helps us finish cleaning the equipment. While we finish up, she informs us that she and Regina are cooking New Year’s lunch and I should hang around. There’s no way I’m passing up Ms. Mae’s cooking. My mouth’s watering just thinking about it.
“So are you staying for lunch?” Cadence asks.
“Do you want me to?” I banter back. She shrugs her shoulders like she couldn’t care less, but then a smile escapes those perfect lips. I can’t resist the urge to be close to her and step into her personal space, “I said, do you want me to?”
“I think I’d like that,” she admits as she brings her face closer to mine.
“Good. You’ve got something right… here,” I say as I bring my hand to her face. “Let me help ya.” She lifts her face for me to get it off her but I brush my fingers across her face instead, and wait for her reaction.
“Oh my freaking gosh! What the hell?” she screams, pushing my hand off her face and pushing both hands on my chest. “What did you do?” I start to laugh. “Was that cow shit?” I start laughing harder. “Barrick, I’m not joking. If you put that shit on me. I’m going to—”
“You’re gonna do what?” I ask as she looks around the barn. She takes a step toward me like she’s about to attack but when she reaches me, the attack fades and she nuzzles her face into my chest. I now have cow shit on my shirt but as she wraps her arms around my waist and kisses me, I couldn’t care less. She kisses me hard, and I follow along with her. As our kiss heats up, she pushes me until my back is against the barn wall. As she slows the kiss, I relax and then she pulls away.
“Looks like you could use a shower to cool off,” she says as she grabs the water hose hanging to my left. Cold water sprays me as she steps away and stands as if she’s got a loaded gun.
“Ah!” I yelp, trying to shield myself as she starts to laugh. “Cadence, you can stop now. I’m sorry,” I say as I try and hide my face from the water hose. As she laughs she lowers the hose, and I know it’s my chance. I grab her and pull her into my soaking wet body as she lets out a high-pitched squeal.
“Barrick, stop!” She squirms but the smile on her face lets me know she’s having fun.
“Hand me the hose and no one gets hurt,” I say.
“Truce?” she asks.
“Truce.” I drop the hose but don’t let go of her. “I think you owe me an apology.”
“Oh really? You started it,” she says as she pulls her head away from me.
“I’m not going to apologize, but maybe I can make it up to you. Want to go on a date tonight?”
“I’d love to, but it’s New Year’s Day. I doubt anything is open around here. You guys close for everything.”
“Good point, but I happen to know the movies are always open.”
“I think I’d like that.”
“Good,” I say as I kiss her forehead. “Now I’ve got to change since somebody thought I needed a shower. I’m going to run home. Let Ms. Mae know I’ll be right back.”